Skip to content Skip to footer

Birmingham inspires me more than any other city. Its roads, underpasses, and towering buildings pulse with movement and light. I paint the city at night and in the rain, because that is when the reflections and energy come alive. The glow of headlights, the shimmer of wet tarmac, and the rhythm of traffic all become part of my canvas.

Birmingham as My Inspiration

Julie Swinsco, artist, paintings of Birmingham - home page image

Why I paint the city at night

At night, Birmingham transforms. Streetlights glow, traffic blazes, and the rain turns roads into mirrors. I love capturing these fleeting moments, where ordinary streets become alive with colour and atmosphere.

Capturing movement, rain, and reflection

The rain gives me the reflections I am drawn to. Cars leave streaks of light, while buildings shimmer on wet pavements. Through painting, I try to hold on to the constant movement that makes Birmingham so vibrant.

Birmingham's every changing landscape

Landmarks and Intersections in My Work

Queensway tunnels and underpasses
The Queensway tunnels and underpasses are among my favourite views. In addition, I often stand on footbridges to watch the streams of cars rushing below. These scenes, both chaotic and beautiful, consistently feature in many of my paintings.

Radisson Blu, the Pagoda, and city roundabouts
Furthermore, the Radisson Blu hotel rises tall on the skyline, glowing turquoise or purple depending on the night. Around it, the Pagoda roundabout buzzes with traffic, headlights, and energy. Consequently, I return to this spot often because it never looks the same twice.

The Octagon and Birmingham’s changing skyline
Moreover, Birmingham is always building, and I love painting that change. The Octagon, with its unusual shape and towering presence, is a recent subject that has caught my attention. Ultimately, it reminds me how the city continues to grow while keeping its pulse alive.

Original Cityscape Paintings of Birmingham by Julie Swinsco

My Artistic Approach to Birmingham

Using photography os movement and reflections in Birmingham

Techniques that bring the city to life

When creating my Birmingham cityscapes, I work with oils, acrylics, and pastels to capture the city’s character. Thin layers and glazes let me create glowing light trails, while bold marks with palette knives or pastels add texture and movement.

Using light, shadow, and atmosphere in my paintings of Birmingham

For me, it is never just about buildings. I focus on the atmosphere — the glow of a tunnel, the shadow of a bridge, or the shimmer of wet streets. These contrasts bring Birmingham’s personality onto the canvas.

Collecting My Birmingham Cityscapes

Original paintings of Birmingham for you to enjoy

My originals are unique, one-of-a-kind artworks. Each piece is carefully framed, signed, and ready to display. Owning an original means owning a slice of Birmingham that no one else has.

Limited edition Fine Art Giclée Prints of my paintings of Birmingham

For some paintings, I create Fine Art Giclée Prints. Each edition is limited to 50 and comes hand-signed with a certificate of authenticity. Prints are mounted and ready for you to frame. They allow more people to share in the energy of the city.

Signed, authenticated, and ready to frame

Whether you choose an original or a print, every artwork comes signed by me. I also provide a certificate of authenticity, so you know the piece is genuine. Each one is created with care and ready for your home.